Do you think the Suns are as good as their record indicates? - Willie, Gilbert Ariz.

That's an interesting question.

On one hand, no. Despite the fast start, the talent is considerably lower this year than on every other Suns team in the Steve Nash era. The Suns don't run like they used to, and teams with top-flight centers are going to abuse Phoenix down low all year. Channing Frye and Amare? Yeah, good luck.

But on the other hand, yes. What this group lost in talent, it makes up for in team chemistry. Getting rid of Shaq was a fantastic move of addition by subtraction. Is there enough of a potential upside for this group to win a championship? Probably not. On paper, last year's team had more potential. But it was so dysfunctional that there was no chance that it would ever reach it. This year's team cares about each other and wants to win for each other. All Shaq cared about was himself.

Who deserves to win the Heisman? - Jacob, Pocatello, Idaho

We still have a little bit of season left, but since you asked, I'll give you my top-3. And for all you Tim Tebow fans, don't waste your time clicking to read the rest of this post if you are expecting to see his name. It won't be there. When someone asks about the top-200 Heisman candidates, you can return and gush about the Chosen One.

Anyways, here's my top-3:

All I have to say is, thank you Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie for picking up your sad-sack teammates who couldn't keep a 21-point lead. Either way, a win is a win. I've started out 1-0 in my locks of the week, so I'm sure this will give me a huge amount of credibility and casual gamblers will begin flocking to RTJ. On to week two...

OK, I didn't do too badly in the Division Series round. The only team I didn't have advancing was the Dodgers, and if Matt Holliday catches that ball, we have a completely different series. So let's move on to the NLCS and ALCS.

NLCS
Phillies (defeated Rockies, 3-1) vs. Dodgers (defeated Cardinals, 3-0)
Analysis: I'm too lazy to actually do some research and figure out when Cliff Lee will be able to pitch again, but I dislike the fact that he won't be able to go in Game One. The Phillies still have the deeper rotation, but that didn't seem to bother the Dodgers at all in the first round against a pair of Cy Young-esque pitchers. I think the genius of Joe Torre has to be factored into this series. He realized his starting pitching wouldn't match up to St. Louis', so he went to the bullpen at the first sign of trouble. Philadelphia's lineup is the tiniest bit better, but both are good. What does all this mean? I have no idea what's going to happen. With that being said...

Alright Bush Rod... put your Sun Devil glasses away and objectively analyze the last-minute call by the refs in the Arizona @ Washington game last Saturday. Botched call, or simply bad luck for the 'cats? - Dave, Smelly Tucson, Ariz.

Hold on just a minute, let me watch the tape (going to YouTube, searching for the game, hitting play. Bwahahahahahahaahahahaahh!!! THAT IS AWESOME!... Taking a deep breath... Nope, not yet... Hahhahahahaahaahaahahaha... OK, Calming myself to give a rational answer to the masses.)

And I'm back.

First thought: Nick Foles looks exactly like Jesus would with a helmet on.

Second thought:  No, the Wildcats did not get screwed.

I'm in a hole and need some quick cash, Bush Rod. My girlfriend thinks I should get a job, but I have a better, easier way to do it. Gambling! With that in mind, I need your advice. Which NFL spread is a sure thing this week? - Stanley Liwanski

Oh, don't worry Stanley. I got you on this one. In fact, come back each week because I'll tell you which game gets the Bush Rod Stamp of Approval (or BRSA, kind of like a cooler version of MRSA) for betting purposes.

Here's my pick this week and why.

Now that my Twins have made the postseason like I knew would happen (don't pay attention to the incorrect picks, please) it's time to break down the postseason.

Go ahead and write these down and then jump on BoDog and make your millions. I'll take 10 percent.of the cut.

NLDS
Colorado Rockies (92-70) vs. Philadelphia Philles(93-69)
Analysis: The Rockies have this stupid 'Rocktober' slogan going. That alone makes me want to pick against them. But, alas, I will try to be unbiased. The choice to throw Cliff Lee instead of Cole Hamels in Game 1 for the Phillies was a good one. Just because Hamels was dominant in last year's postseason doesn't mean it will be an indicator of this year's success. Lee has been better all year. In the end, it won'y matter. The Phillies' lineup is better top to bottom, and so is the starting pitching. Colorado's bullpen has settled nicely and Philly's is a train wreck, but it won't be the difference-maker. I expect the Phillies to win a pair of games at home and cruise.
Prediction: Phillies in three.

Can you do an All-Star team with the best NFL player from every position? - Mrs. Bush Rod

Anything for you, MBR. Offense first:

QB - Peyton Manning, Colts: He not only has one of the best arms in the game, but his intelligence is off the charts. The way he's mastered the offense in Indy is impressive to watch.
RB - Adrian Peterson, Vikings: Easy call. The best tailback, hands down.
WR - Calvin Johnson, Lions: He makes the Lions offense dangerous all by himself.

In what professional sport could you last the longest without totally embarrassing yourself? – Raphael

That’s a solid question. Since I love lists, let’s count it down.

8) Golf: One swing, just one, and I’m laughed off the course.

7) Tennis: These individual sports are brutal. There’s nowhere to hide.

6) NBA: I guess I could do my best Bruce Bowen impersonation and stand in the corner on offense, waiting to shoot 3-pointers, but on defense I would get absolutely torched. I’m a 7-foot stiff stuck in a point guard’s body.

Who do you think will win the World Series? – Joey

This might be a little premature considering the playoff spots haven’t been quite nailed down yet. Ahh, screw it. Let’s do this.

I’ll run down from least likely to most likely to win, only including teams with a realistic shot at making the postseason.  

Atlanta Braves (100-to-1): Chances are, the Tomahawk Choppers won’t make the playoffs. If they did, I’d actually rank them much higher. Tommy Hanson, Derek Lowe and Tim Hudson is a formidable trio, and the lineup looks pretty good. But they brought up Hanson too late to save money and subsequently got burned. Call it the Tom Glavine karma.